Guide for can opener key and tear strip



GUIDE FOR CAN OPENER KEY AND TEAR STRIP Filed Feb. 17, 1954 Arrow/7 GUIDE FOR CAN OPENER KEY AND TEAR STRIP Patrick 5. Virgilio, Elizabeth, N. .1.

Application February 17, 1954, Serial No. 410,901

8 Claims. (Cl. 220-52) This invention relates to can openers and is particularly directed to sheet metal containers, or cans such as those used for vacuum packing, in which a narrow tear strip is formed around the outer circumference of the container wall, near the top thereof to enable the can to be opened by removing the tear strip by means of the conventional type of key.

The usual tear strip provided on containers of this type has a narrow lip formed at one end thereof, the lip being fitted into a slot cut through the stern of the conventional type of substantially cylindrical key, the tear strip being rolled or wrapped around the key when the key is rotated, thereby removing the tear strip from the container wall.

While tear strips and keys of this general type have been used for some time, they require great care on the part of the operator when opening the container, as there is usually a tendency on the part of the operator, in rotating the key in order to remove the tear strip from the container, to tilt the key, thereby causing the key to rotate at an angle to the tear strip, and in that manner causing the tear strip to be removed irregularly from the container wall, by raising one side of the tear strip, while the other side is still attached to the container, and in that manner causing the tear strip to crack or break, thus necessitating the removal of the balance thereof by cutting or other special means.

The primary object of my invention is to provide a combination can opener key and tear strip guide, which supports the key in a position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal tear strip axis, and also to support and guide the tear strip while it is wrapped around the key, thereby uniformly and evenly removing the tear strip from the container wall.

A further object is to provide a simple compact unit, which can be utilized with a wide variety of types, sizes and contours of container, and can be operated by any ordinary person without special skills or experience.

A feature of applicants unit is that it enables the key with the tear strip wrapped around it to be readily re moved from the guide after the tear strip is removed from the container wall, without touching the edges of the tear strip, thus minimizing finger cuts and injuries of other types frequently caused by tear strips of this type, the edges of which are quite sharp.

Another object is t9 provide a combination unit which is adjustable, so that it will guide and support a wide range of key lengths and types, and can be used with equal facility with a wide range of tear strip widths, and container sizes.

A further object is to provide a unit, which can be utilized with equal facility on cylindrical containers, or containers of any other cross-section, such as oval-shaped containers fitted with a wide range of tear strip widths.

A major object is to provide a simple, compact unit, which can be produced at low cost and utilized over a sustained period on a wide range of container types and sizes without special adjustment or servicing.

ted States Patent The accompanying drawings, illustrative of one embodiment of my invention, and several modifications thereof, together with the description of their construction and the method of operation and utilization thereof, will serve to clarify further objects and advantages of my invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a front elevation of one embodiment of the guide for a can opener key and tear strip, showing the unit fitted to the outer circumference of the wall of a cylindrical container, with the key in place, and the tear strip rolled around the key and supported by the guide unit.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through the unit shown in Fig. 1, showing the relation between the front and rear plates, the position of the key relative to the plates, with the tear strip wrapped around the key stem, taken at 22, Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a section through the unit, shown in Fig. 1, showing the method of supporting and spacing the front and rear plates thereof, taken at 33, Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a front elevation of an adjustable modification of the unit shown in Fig. l, with the key removed, the unit being fitted to the wall of a container in the same manner.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section through the adjustable type of unit, shown in Fig. 4, showing the method of supporting and locating the three plates used in the unit, and the method of supporting and guiding the key, taken at 5-5, Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is vertical section through another portion of the adjustable type of unit, shown in Figs. 4 and 5, with the intermediate adjustable plate moved outward, relative to the forward plate, to accommodate a wider tear strip, showing the method of supporting and guiding the front, rear and intermediate plates, taken at 6-6, Fig. 4.

It will be understood that the following description of the construction and the method of operation and utilization of the guide for can opener key and. tear strip, is intended as explanatory of the invention and not restrictive thereof.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals designate the same parts throughout the various "iews, except where otherwise indicated.

One embodiment of the construction, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, is used in conjunction with the conventional type of cylindrical vacuum packed metal can or container is, having a narrow tear strip it, which follows the outer circumference of the container body, removably attached to the container body, adjacent one of the container covers.

The unit, which is used for supporting and guiding the stem or body 14 of a tear strip removal key, in removing the tear strip from the container, comprises a pair of substantially parallel metal plates 15 and 16, spacedly located relative to one another by a plurality of tubular spacers 17, each of said spacers being fitted around one of a plurality of rivets or screws 18, which are used to connect the forward plate 15 to the rear plate 16, in the manner indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, the spacing between the plates 15 and 16 being slightly greater than the width of the tear strip 11 to allow the plates to clear the tear strip, in the manner hereinafter described in greater detail.

A key used for detaching the tear strip from the container, in the conventional manner, comprises a cylindrica stem or body 14, with an oval shaped or other suitable form of handle 2% integral with the stem, a portion of the key stem having a flat 2.1 formed therein, with a narrow slot 23 cut through the flattened portion of the key stem to receive a narrow lip located at the free end of the tear strip to grip the tear strip, when the key is rotated, to detach the tear strip from the container.

The forward plate 15, the sides of which are substantially parallel to the axis of the plate, has an open parallelfaced slot 25, cut through the central portion thereof, the slot being parallel to the side walls of the plate, the bottom edge of the slot being located at a point close to the bottom of the plate, thereby leaving a thin integral link 26, connecting the two sides of the plate. The bottom edge 27 of the forward'plate, which engages the wall of the container in the operating position, shown in Fig. l, is of concave arcuate contour, following substantially the contour of the container wall. The upper portion of the central slot 25 is extended angularly outward to form a V opening 28, extending from the top of the slot 25 to the top of the forward plate.

The rear plate, the parallel sides of which are in substantial alignment with the sides of the forward plate 15, is located a distance slightly greater than the width of the tear strip from the forward plate and substantially parallel thereto.

The upper edge 29 of the rear plate is rounded in the manner indicated in Fig. 1, the bottom edge thereof being of concave arcuate contour following the same contour as the bottom edge of the forward plate 15, shown in Fig. l.

A narrow parallel-faced slot 30 is cut through the center of the rear plate, in substantial alignment with the open slot 25 in the forward plate 15, the slots 25 and 3t receiving and supporting the stem 14 of the key, when the key is rotated in the direction of the tear strip to remove the tear strip from the container.

The slot 30 in the rear plate extends from a point in substantial alignment with the bottom of the front plate slot to form a narrow link 31, connecting the sides of the rear plate, the upper end of the slot 30 being located a greater distance below the top of the rear plate to form an upper connecting section 32, considerably deeper than the bottom link between the sides of the rear plate to stiffen the rear plate, thereby reinforcing the forward plate attached thereto.

In operating the unit, the assembled unit is fitted to the container in the position shown in Fig. 1, relative to the cylindrical container wall, the bottom edges 27 of the two plates engaging the outer surface of the cylindrical container wall.

The stem 14 of the key is inserted through the slots 25 and 3th through the plates, into substantially the position shown in Fig. 2, with the key slot 23 located between the plates and 16. After the lip formed at the free end of the tear strip is inserted through the key slot 23, the key is manually rotated within the slots 25 and in the plates, the tear strip 11 being wrapped around the key stem to form a continuous roll 33, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2.

While the key is manually rotated to wrap the tear strip 11 around the stem of the key, the entire unit is moved around the outer surface of the container, the movement of the unit being coordinated with that of the tear strip relative to the key, to enable the tear strip to form a uniform continuous roll around the key stem.

The rotation of the key is continued until the entire tear strip is wrapped around the key stern and completely detached from the container, thereby enabling the outer container cover to be removed from the body thereof, after which the key stem 14 with the tear strip roll 33 attached thereto may be removed from the guide unit, by raising the key stem within the slot 34 through the rear plate, until the outer circumference of the tear strip roll clears the edges of the V-section opening 28 at the upper end of the forward plate, after which the key stem with the rolled tear strip attached thereto can be readily removed from the slot in the rear plate at a point above the open slot 25 in the forward plate, the tear strip roll clearing the V-opening in the forward plate.

A modification of the guide unit, shown in Figs. 4 and 5, is suitable for use with a wide range of tear strip widths, such as those provided with the larger containers or cans,

particularly those of oval or irregularly shaped cross-section, in which the tear strip is considerably wider than that of the conventional cylindrical container.

In this construction, the forward and rear plates 37 and 38 are substantially the same as those shown in Figs. 1 and 2, although they are located a considerably greater distance apart.

An intermediate plate 39 is slidably mounted between the forward and rear plates 37 and 38, the openings at the sides of the intermediate plate each fitting over the body of one of a plurality of screws 41 and 41a, or other suitable attaching means, used to connect the rear plate to the forward plate 37.

Each of the upper screws 41a connecting the upper portion of the forward and rear plates 37 and 33, has a tubular spacer 42 fitted to the outer circumference thereof, the spacers 42 extending over the entire distance between the forward and rear plates 37 and 38, to support the plates and maintain them in parallel relation to one another. The upper openings through the sides of the intermediate plate are larger than the lower openings therethrough, the upper openings slidably fitting over the tubular spacers 42, to guide the intermediate plate into its adjustable position relative to the front plate. A nut 43 is threadably attached to each of the screws 41 and 41a, adjacent the rear plate, to spaeedly connect the forward and rear plates.

A short tubular spacer 44 is fitted to each of the lower screws 41, the spacers being located between the forward plate 37 and the intermediate plate 39, to limit the forward movement of the intermediate plate relative to the forward plate, the narrow spacers being slightly greater in length than the Width of the narrowest tear strip, in conjunction with which the unit is to be used.

A pair of coiled compression springs 45, each of which is fitted around the body of one of the lower screws 41 is provided between the rear plate and the intermediate plate, the springs pressing the intermediate plate toward the forward plate, and in that manner supporting and guiding the tear strip rolls of any desired width in the manner hereinafter described.

The forward plate 37, which is substantially the same as the forward plate, shown in Fig. 1, has an open parallel-faced slot 48 cut through the center thereof, with a wide V-opening 49 extending from the upper end of the slot to the top of the forward plate 37.

The bottom edge of the forward plate is of concave arcuate contour to fit the contour of the container body, when the unit is mounted in the operating position, shown in Fig. 4.

The upper edge 50 of the intermediate plate is rounded, as indicated in Fig. 4, the Width and outer contour of the rear plate 38 being substantially the same as that of the intermediate plate.

A narrow parallel-faced slot 51 is cut through the center of the intermediate plate in substantial alignment with the open slot 48 in the forward plate, the width of the slots 48 and 51 being substantially the same as those shown in Fig. l.

The slot 51 in the intermediate plate extends from a point in substantial alignment with the bottom of the forward plate slot 48 to form a narrow link 52 at the bottom of the intermediate plate, connecting the sides of the plate, the upper end of the slot 51 being located a greater distance below the top of the intermediate plate to form an upper reinforcing connection between the sides of the intermediate plate, thereby stifiening the intermediate plate.

The contour of the rear plate is substantially the same as that of the intermediate plate 39, the upper edge of the rear plate being rounded. The bottom of the rear plate is of concave arcuate contour, following substantially the contour of the bottom of the front and the intermediate plates 37 and 39.

Where a key, fitted with a relatively short stem, is used to remove the tear strip from the container, the rear plate may be blank and unslotted, thus enabling the tip of the key stem to butt against the rear plate, when the key is inserted through the slots in the forward and in termediate plates.

Where a key fitted with a longer stem is utilized, or the space between the rear and the intermediate plate is relatively short, a narrow parallel-faced slot 53, slightly Wider than the diameter of the key stem is cut through the center of the rear plate, in substantial alignment with the slots 5% and 51 through the forward and intermediate plates respectively, to clear the stem 54 of the key, when the key is inserted through the slots 48 and 51 into the operating position, shown in Fig. 5.

The height and the longitudinal position of the slot 53, through the rear plate is substantially the same as that through the intermediate plate, the slot extending from a point in substantial alignment with the bottom of the front plate slot, the upper end of the slot being located a greater distance below the top of the rear plate, to form an upper reinforcing connection between the sides of the rear plate, the reinforcing connection strengthening the rear plate and at the same time reinforcing the forward plate 37, which is open at the top.

In operating the adjustable unit, shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the assembled unit is fitted to a container 55 in the position shown in Fig. 4, relative to the container wall, the bottom edge of the guide plates engaging the outer urface of the circumferential container wall.

The intermediate plate 39 is manually moved from the position shown in Fig. 5, relative to the front plate 37, to the position shown in Fig. 6, by compressing the springs 45, between the rear and intermediate plates, the space between the forward plate 37 and the intermediate plate 3d being slightly greater than the width of the tear strip of the container when it is wrapped around the key stem.

A key such as that shown in Fig. 5, having a longer stem 54, is inserted through the slots 48 and 51 in the forward and intermediate plates, respectively, into the position shown in Fig. 5.

The key stem or body has a flat 57 formed thereon, a narrow slot 555, somewhat longer than the slot shown in Fig. 2, being cut through the flattened portion of the key stem. Th e length of the slot 58 in the key stem is slightly greater than the lip at the end of the wider tear strip of the container 55, to enable the lip at the end of the tear strip to be inserted through the slot 58 in the key stern.

While the intermediate plate is manuallyheld in substantially the positon shown in Fig. 6, the lip at the end of the tear strip is inserted through the slot in the key stem, the slot in the key stem being located between the forward and intermediate plates, as indicated in Fig. 5.

After the lip at the end of the tear strip is inserted through the key slot, the key is manually rotated Within the plate slots, the tear strip being wrapped around the key stem to form a continuous roll in the manner indicated in Figs. 1 and 2.

After the tear strip roll around the key stem is started, the width of the tear strip retains the intermediate plate in substantially the position shown in Fig. 6, relative to the forward plate 37, the tearstrip roll retaining the compression springs 45 in the compressed position, shown in Fig. 6.

While the key is manually rotated to wrap the tear strip around the key stem $4, the entire unit is manually moved around the outer surface of the container wall, the movement of the unit being coordinated with that of the tear strip, relative to the key stem, to enable the tear strip to form a uniform roll around the key stem.

The rotation of the key is continued until the entire length of the tear strip is wrapped around the key stem, and completely detached from the container, the unit having been moved about the container wall from its starting position, in substantial alignment with the lip at the free end of the tear strip, around the container body to the opposite end of the tear strip, which when detached from the container body completely frees the cover of the container from the container body.

After the entire tear strip is wrapped around the key stem, the intermediate plate may be moved further in ward toward the rear plate, by compressing the coiled springs 45, thereby freeing the tear strip roll and the key stem, and allowing the key stem with the tear strip roll attached thereto to be raised within the slot in the intermediate plate, or the slots in both the rear plate and the intermediate plate, if a slot is provided in the rear plate, until the outer circumference of the tear strip roll clears the edges of the V-section at the upper portion of the forward plate 37, thereby allowing the key stem with the tear strip roll attached thereto to be readily removed from the slot in the intermediate plate at a point above the narrow open slot 53 in the forward plate, the tear strip roll clearing the V-opening at the top of the forward plate.

The form and contour of the forward plate and the rear plate, in the unit shown in Figs. 1 and 2, may be varied considerably depending upon the height of the slot S3 cut through the rear plate, and the method of connecting the forward plate to the rear plate.

The length of the spacers between the front and the rear plates, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, may be varied in conformity with the width of the tear strip of the container on which the unit is tobe used.

In place of the rivets 18, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a plurality of screws, fitted with nuts 43, similar to those shown in Figs. 4 and 6 may be substituted, to provide an adjustment in the spacing between the forward and rear plates 15 and 16, respectively, by varying the length of the spacers 17.

Similarly, longer rivets, the heads of which are similar to those shown in Figs. 1 and 2, may be substituted in place of the screws and nuts, shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 6, the spacers between the plates, and the coiled compression springs between the intermediate and the rear plates remaining essentially the same.

A key fitted with a slotted stem, similar to that shown in Figs. 2 and 5, may be used in conjunction with both types of unit, or a key having an open slot cut through the free end of the stem may be substituted therefor, thus enabling the stem to be removed from the tear strip roll after the wrapping of the tear strip around the key stem is completed.

The adjustable types of unit, shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, may be utilized with any type of container of any contour, in a wide range of tear strip widths, the spacing between the forward and the intermediate plates being de termined by the maximum width of tear strip to be accommodated.

Similarly, the fixed width type of unit, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, may be utilized with any type or contour of container, fitted with any width of tear strip, the spacing between the forward and the rear plate, and consequently the length of the tubular spacers between the plates, controlling the plate spacing, being varicd to accommodate particular tear strip widths.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that my present invention is not limited to the specific details described above and shown in the drawings, and that var ious modifications are possible in carrying out the features of the invention and the operation and method of utilization thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A combination container opener key and tear strip guide for use in conjunction with a container of arcuate outer contour, said container having a tear strip severably attached thereto; comprising a key having a stem with substantially cylindrical ends, the key stem having 7 a slot therethrough for receiving one end of the container tear strip, a thin forward relatively fixed plate operatively located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the arcuate outer surface of the container adjacent one edge of the tear strip, the bottom of said forward plate following substantially the arcuate contour of the container outer surface, a rear plate located substantially parallel to the forward plate and spaced therefrom, an intermediate plate fitted between the forward and rear plates, a first pair of cylindrical elements fitted through the plates connecting the forward and rear plates, a second pair of cylindrical elements fitted through the plates connecting the forward and rear plates, a pair of tubular spacers fitted to the first pair of cylindrical elements spacedly locating the rear plate relative to the forward plate, said tubular spacers slidably supporting the intermediate plate, a pair of relatively short tubular spacers fitted to the second pair of cylindrical elements between the forward and the intermediate plate, flexible means fitted to the second pair of cylindrical elements operative to move the intermediate plate toward the forward plate, the forward plate having an open parallel-edged slot therethrough, the open slot being in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the forward plate, substantially perpendicularly to the arcuate bottom edge of the forward plate, the upper portion of the forward plate having a V-opening therethrough in communication with the open slot, the intermediate plate having a parallel-edged slot therethrough in substantial alignment with the slot through the forward plate, the spacing between the intermediate plate and the forward plate being adjustable to enable the forward and intermediate plates to receive and guide the container tear strip therebetween, the rear plate having a paralleledged slot therethrough in substantial alignment with the slot through the forward plate, the V-opening in the forward plate being operative to clear the key with the container tear strip wrapped therearound after the tear strip is detached from the container.

2. A combination container opener key and tear strip guide for use in conjunction with a container of arcuate outer contour, said container having a tear strip severably attached thereto, with a key having a stem with substantially cylindrical ends, a flattened portion of the key stem having a slot therethrough for receiving one end of the container tear strip; comprising a forward relatively fixed plate located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the arcuate outer surface of the container adjacent one edge of the tear strip, the bottom of the forward fixed plate following substantially the arcuate contour of the container outer surface, a rear plate located substantially parallel to the forward plate and separated therefrom, an intermediate plate fitted between the forward and rear plates, 21 first pair of cylindrical elements fitted through the plates connecting the forward and rear plates, a second pair of cylindrical elements fitted through the plates connecting the for ward and rear plates, a pair of tubular spacers fitted to the first pair of cylindrical elements spacedly locating the rear plate relative to the forward plate, said tubular spacers slidably supporting the intermediate plate, a pair of relatively short tubular spacers fitted to the second pair of cylindrical elements between the forward plate and the intermediate plate, flexible means fitted to the second pair of cylindrical connecting elements operative to move the intermediate plate toward the forward plate, the forward plate having an open parallel-edged slot out through a portion thereof, the bottom of the open slot being spacedly located relative to the arcuate bottom of the forward plate, thereby leaving a connecting link between the sides of the forward plate adjacent the slot, the upper portion of the forward plate having a t -opening therethrough in communication with the open slot, the intermediate plate having a parallel-edged slot therethrough in substantial alignment with the slot through the forward plate, the spacing between the intermediate plate and the forward plate being adjusted to receive and guide the container tear strip therebetween, the V-opening in the forward plate being operative to clear the key with the container tear strip wrapped therearound, after the tear strip is detached from the container.

3. A combination container opener key and tear strip guide for use in conjunction with a container of arcuate outer contour, said container having a tear strip severably attached thereto, with a key having a stem with substantially cylindrical ends, the key stem having a slot therethrough for receiving one end of the container tear strip; comprising a first fixed plate operatively located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the arcuate outer surface of the container adjacent one edge of the tear strip, the bottom of the first fixed plate following substantially the arcuate contour of the container outer surface, a second fixed plate located sub stantially parallel to the first fixed plate and separated therefrom, means connecting said fixed plates, means spacedly locating the second fixed plate relative to the first fixed plate, an intermediate plate slidably interposed between the first and second fixed plates, the first fixed plate having an open parallel-edged slot cut therethrough in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the plate substantially perpendicularly to the arcuate bottom of the first fixxed plate, the upper portion of the first fixed plate having a V-opening therethrough in communication with the open slot, the intermediate plate having a parallel-edged slot therethrough in substantial alignment with the open slot through the first fixed plate, a plurality of tubular spacers located between the first fixed plate and the intermediate plate, and spring means interposed between the second fixed plate and the intermediate plate operative to move the intermediate plate toward the first fixed plate.

4. A combination container opener key and tear strip guide for use in conjunction with a container of arcuate outer contour, said container having a tear strip sever ably attached thereto, comprising a key having a stem with substantially cylindrical ends, a flattened portion of the key stem having a slot therethrough for receiving one end of the tear strip, a forward fixed plate operatively located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the arcuate outer contour of the container adjacent one edge of the tear strip, the bottom of said forward fixed plate following substantially the arcuate contour of the container outer surface, a rear fixed plate located substantially parallel to the forward fixed plate and separated therefrom, upper and lower connecting means connecting said fixed plates, a plurality of tubular spacers fitted to the upper connecting means spacedly locating the rear fixed plate relative to the forward fixed plate, an intermediate plate slidably interposed between the forward and rear fixed plates, the forward fixed plate having an open parallel-edged slot through the central portion thereof, the open slot being in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the forward fixed plate, the axis of the open slot being located substantially perpendicularly to the arcuate bottom edge of the forward fixed plate, the upper portion of the forward fixed plate having a l-opening therethrough in communication with the open slot, the intermediate plate having a parallel-edged slot therethrough in substantial alignment with the open slot through the forward fixed plate, a plurality of tubular spacers fitted to the lower connecting means between the forward and the intermediate plates, and spring means fitted to the lower connecting means interposed between the rear fixed plate and the intermediate plate operative to move the intermediate plate toward the forward fixed plate to adjust the spacing between the forward fixed plate and the intermediate plate in accordance with the tear strip width.

5. A combination container opener key and tear strip guide for use in conjunction with a container of arcuate outer contour, said container having a tear strip severably attached thereto, with a key having a stem with substantially cylindrical ends, a flattened portion of the key stem having a slot therethrough for receiving one end of the tear strip; comprising a forward relatively fixed plate located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the arcuate outer surface of the container adjacent one edge of the tear strip, the bottom edge of said forward fixed plate adjoining the container being of concave arcuate contour following substantially the cdntainer contour, a rear fixed plate located substantially parallel to the forward fixed plate and spaced therefrom, a plurality of substantially cylindrical upper connecting members fitted through the forward and rear plates connecting the fixed plates, a plurality of substantially cylindrical lower connecting members fitted through the forward and rear plates connecting said fixed plates, a plurality of tubular spacers fitted to the upper connecting members spacedly locating the rear fixed plate relative to the forward fixed plate, an intermediate plate slidably supported by the upper and lower connecting members interposed between the forward and rear fixed plates, the forward fixed plate having an open parallel-edged slot through the central portion thereof, the open slot being in substantial align ment with the longitudinal axis of the forward fixed plate, substantially perpendicularly to the arcuate bottom edge of the forward fixed plate, the upper portion of the forward plate having a V-opening therethrough in communication with the open slot, the intermediate plate having a parallel-edged slot therethrough in substantial alignment with the open slot through the forward plate, the slot through the intermediate plate extending beyond the top of the open parallel-edged slot through the forward plate, a tubular spacer fitted to each lower connecting member between the forward and intermediate plates to separate the intermediate plate from the forward plate, and a coiled compression spring fitted to each lower connecting member between the rear and intermediate plates, said spring being operative to move the intermediate plate toward the forward fixed plate.

6. A combination container opener key and tear strip guide for use in conjunction with a container of arcurate outer contour, said container having a tear strip severably attached thereto, with a key having a stem with substantially cylindrical ends, a flattened portion of the key stem having a slot therethrough for receiving one end of the tear strip; comprising a forward relatively fixed plate located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the arcuate outer surface of the container, adjacent one edge of the tear strip, the bottom edge of said forward fixed plate following substantially the arcuate contour of the container outer surface, a rear relatively fixed plate located substantially parallel to the forward fixed plate and spaced therefrom, a pair of upper threaded elements fitted through the forward and rear fixed plates connecting the forward and rear fixed plates, a pair of lower threaded elements connecting the forward and rear fixed plates, a plurality of tubular spacers fitted to the upper threaded elements spacedly locating the rear fixed plate relative to the forward fixed plate, an intermediate plate slidably supported by the upper and lower threaded elements interposed between the forward and rear fixed plates, the forward fixed plate having an open paralleledged slot through the central portion thereof, the open slot being in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the forward plate substantially perpendicularly to the arcuate bottom edge of the forward fixed plate, the upper portion of the forward fixed plate having a V-opening therethrough in communication with the open slot, the intermediate plate having a parallel-edged slot therethrough in substantial alignment with the open slot through the forward fixed plate, the slot through the intermediate plate extending beyond the top of the open parallel-edged slot through the forward fixed plate, the

rear fixed plate having a parallel-edged slot therethrough in substantial alignment with the slot through the intermediate plate, a tubular spacer fitted to each lower threaded element between the forward fixed plate and the intermediate plate to separate the intermediate plate from the forward fixed plate, and a coiled compression spring fitted to each lower threaded element between the rear plate and the intermediate plate, said spring being operative to move the intermediate plate toward the forward fixed plate.

7. A combination container opener key and tear strip guide for use in conjunction with a container of arcuate outer contour, said container having a tear strip severably attached thereto, with a key having a stem with substantially cylindrical ends, the key stem having a slot therethrough for receiving one end of the tear strip; comprising a forward relatively fixed plate located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the arcuate outer contour of the container adjacent one edge of the tear strip, a rear relatively fixed plate located parallel to the forward plate and spaced therefrom, an intermediate plate slidably interposed between the forward and rear fixed plates, a pair of upper threaded bolts fitted through the plates connecting the forward and rear fixed plates, a pair of lower threaded bolts fitted through the plates, a plurality of tubular spacers fitted to the upper threaded bolts spacedly locating the rear fixed plate relative to the forward fixed plate, the bottom edge of each of said plates operatively adjoining the container being of concave arcuate contour following substantially the container contour, the forward fixed plate having an open paralleledged slot therethrough, the open slot being in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the forwand fixed plate substantially perpendicularly to the arcuate bottom edge of the forward fixed plate, the upper portion of the forward plate having a \I-opening therethrough in communication with the open slot, the intermediate plate having a parallel-edged slot therethrough in substantial alignment with the forward fixed plate open slot, the slot through the intermediate plate extending beyond the open top of the parallel-edged forward plate slot, the rear fixed plate having a parallel-edged slot therethrough in substantial alignment with the intermediate plate slot, a tubular spacer fitted to each lower bolt between the forward fixed plate and the intermediate plate to separate the intermediate plate from the forward fixed plate, and a coiled compression spring fitted to each lower bolt between the rear fixed plate and the intermediate plate, said spring being operative to move the intermediate plate toward the forward fixed plate to adjust the spacing between the intermediate and the forward fixed plate, coordinated with the tear strip width.

8. A device for confining the reel of a sealing strip being unwound from a can by a slotted key evenly on the key, comprising a pair of opposed substantially parallel walls having elongated pins extending through the walls at right angles thereto and positioned near the ends of the walls, at least one of said walls being slidably mounted on said pins, resilient means normally urging said walls toward each other, limit stop means limiting the movement of the walls toward each other to a position wherein said walls are spaced a relatively short distance apart, said walls having aligned key receiving openings therein, said key being insertible into said openings to have the key slot extending between said walls.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,024,830 Cook Apr. 30, 1912 1,669,143 Pocock May 8, 1928 2,572,820 Schluter Oct. 23, 1951 2,612,287 Snook Sept. 30, 1952 2,660,331 Inman Nov. 24, 1953 2,680,537 Dzialdowski June 8, 1954 

